Eustachian tube dysfunction in sinonasal disease

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    A prospective study of the role of sinonasal disease in Eustachian tube dysfunction

  • IRAS ID

    107335

  • Contact name

    Carl Philpott

  • Contact email

    C.Philpott@uea.ac.uk

  • Research summary

    Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a disorder where swelling/infection of the nose and sinuses causes symptoms of nasal blockage, a runny nose, headaches and a poor sense of smell. The tube that connects the ear to the back of the nose can also become involved in this process (Eustachian tube dysfunction - ETD) and although patients with this disorder often complain about it, the extent of the problem and the effect of any treatment has yet to be studied. This study will therefore ask patients with CRS to undergo two measurements before and after sinus surgery - ear drum compliance (tympanometry) and nasal airflow/resistance (rhinomanometry). As a comparison, patients undergoing nasal surgery (septoplasty) where swelling/infection of the nose and sinuses is not present will also be invited to undergo the same measurements. If patients with CRS are found to have a significant problem with ETD then it will help direct treatment to alleviate this and wil help doctors who treat CRS to be more aware of the problem.

  • REC name

    London - Bromley Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    13/LO/1379

  • Date of REC Opinion

    30 Sep 2013

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion